SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Raymond J. Hayducka of the South Brunswick Police Department announced today that a second suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting that took place earlier this month in Royal Oaks Apartment Complex.
Jayvin Almestica, 20, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, was arrested in Dover, Delaware last week and extradited to New Jersey yesterday. He is charged with first degree attempted murder in connection to the shooting. Almestica will be held at the Middlesex County Corrections Center pending a Detention Hearing.
South Brunswick Police responded to the shooting on July 11, 2020, at approximately 3:59 pm which took place in the vicinity of the Royal Oaks Apartments clubhouse, located at 200 Henderson Road. An 18-year-old Monmouth Junction man was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and treated for gunshot wounds.
Chief Hayducka praised the efforts of the officers and detectives involved with solving the crime. “Gun violence is rare in our community, and I am thankful we have quickly tracked down those responsible,” said Hayducka. He added, “I also want to thank Prosecutor Ciccone and her office for all their assistance.”
The investigation is active and is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Timothy Hoover of the South Brunswick Police Department at (732) 329-4000 ext. 7443, or Detective Sean Sullivan of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-4060.
US Marshals Arrest 2nd Suspect in Shooting. Suspect captured in Delaware faces first degree attempted murder. https://t.co/jnEUibkyCG
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Serious Collision Response Team are investigating an incident that occurred in Trenton early this morning, July 29, 2020, that has left multiple Trenton police officers injured.
Three suspects are in custody at this time and criminal charges are pending, including attempted murder, eluding and weapons offenses. Zaire Butler, 19, suffered internal injuries in the motor vehicle crash, and remains hospitalized in critical condition. Nazere Crews, 18, suffered a fractured femur and remains hospitalized. A 16-year-old male suffered a fractured wrist, and was treated and released. All three suspects are Trenton residents.
An investigation has revealed that Trenton police officers were made aware of a social media posting that showed a group of individuals with guns driving around the west district of the city looking for people to shoot. An alert was broadcast via the radio and at approximately 2:26 a.m., Officers Michael Gettler and Jeffery Pownall came upon a 2003 red Ford Focus four-door sedan. After checking the license plate and confirming it was stolen in Trenton, the officers tried to initiate a traffic stop on Parkside Avenue when the vehicle began to elude them. The officers pursued the vehicle into Ewing Township onto Olden Avenue and then back into Trenton. As the officers pursued the vehicle past the Home Depot on Olden Avenue in Ewing, at least four rounds were fired from the Ford Focus at the patrol vehicle before entering back into the city. The patrol vehicle was struck one time in the top light bar before bouncing off the roof of the patrol vehicle. The officers continued their pursuit of the Ford Focus back into Trenton and as the vehicle approached the intersection of North Olden and North Clinton avenues, the stolen vehicle struck a responding Trenton police vehicle containing Officers Kevin Starkey and Brian Walker. Both vehicles spun and the stolen vehicle struck a white minivan that was traveling in the opposite direction.
Trenton Police Officers Orlando Santiago and Andy Gomez then approached the stolen vehicle and Officer Santiago slipped in fluids from the crash. He sustained cuts to his elbow as a result. Officer Gomez sustained lacerations to his hand from glass that was broken out. The three suspects were taken into custody without further incident. All injured officers and suspects were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center.
One shell casing and two projectiles were recovered by the Home Depot in Ewing. A FN PS90 sub-gun was recovered in the city in the area in front of 664 Olden Avenue. A Glock 26 9mm and an AR-15 pistol were recovered in the backseat of the stolen Ford Focus, and three spent 9mm casings were recovered in the front passenger seat floor board.
Officer Starkey is currently in critical condition suffering serious head trauma. Officer Walker also sustained serious head injuries. He remains hospitalized in stable condition. Officer Santiago was treated for a head injury and elbow abrasions. Officer Gomez was treated for lacerations to his hands and released. Officers Gettler and Pownell were evaluated and released.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
CHECK OUT THE LIST OF MIDJERSEY.NEWS STORIES ON CITY OF TRENTON 2020 SHOOTINGS, GUN VIOLENCE, STABBINGS AND HOMICIDES HERE:
And the list grows: Other Recent Trenton Shooting and Homicide Stories:(There has been a lot more gun violence, stabbings and shootings but these are ones we have enough information to report on)
Linda Mika, 69, and Paul Mika, 73, both of Jackson, New Jersey, and Kenneth Mika, 49, of Ewing, New Jersey, were arrested today and are scheduled to have their initial appearances this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lois H. Goodman in Trenton federal court.
July 29, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Three people have been charged for their alleged roles in a years-long conspiracy to defraud the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) by providing military equipment parts that were not authorized by contract, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.
Linda Mika, 69, and Paul Mika, 73, both of Jackson, New Jersey, and Kenneth Mika, 49, of Ewing, New Jersey, were arrested today and are scheduled to have their initial appearances this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lois H. Goodman in Trenton federal court.
“As described in the criminal complaint, these defendants sought to make a greater profit by substituting products that were not those they had contractually agreed to provide to the Department of Defense,” U.S. Attorney Carpenito said. “By doing so, they potentially risked the safety of our men and women in uniform. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to root out this kind of fraud.”
“Protecting the integrity of the defense procurement system is a top priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” Special Agent in Charge Leigh-Alistair Barzey, DCIS Northeast Field Office, said. “This case, which resulted in today’s arrests, confirms the DCIS’ ongoing commitment to work with the USAO-NJ and the FBI, to investigate and prosecute contractors who engage in fraudulent schemes targeting the U.S. Department of Defense.”
“Today’s arrest of Linda Mika, Paul Mika and Kenneth Mika reflects the continuing impact federal and state partnerships have on combatting those who defraud the Department of Defense,” Acting FBI Special Agent in Charge Joe Denahan said. “These contractors of Monmouth Marine Engines Inc. knowingly provided substituted parts for military equipment for their own personal gain. We will continue to investigate these types of schemes and hold those who endanger the U.S. military accountable.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From at least March 2017 through February 2020, the Mikas conspired with each other and others to defraud the DoD and its combat logistic support arm, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), by engaging in a pattern of unlawful product substitution. Paul Mika was the founder and owner of Monmouth Marine Engines Inc. (Monmouth Marine), a maritime equipment and servicing facility, which, as an approved federal contractor, also entered into contracts with DLA to supply DoD contracting entities with replacement parts for Naval vessels. Paul Mika’s wife and son, Linda Mika and Kenneth Mika, were employees of Monmouth Marine.
The Mikas, on behalf of Monmouth Marine, obtained contracts with the DoD by falsely claiming that the military parts they contracted to provide would be exact products furnished by authorized manufacturers. Once awarded the contracts, however, the Mikas sourced non-conforming substitute parts at a significantly reduced cost to fill the contracts. They did this to maximize their profit margin while also suppressing fair competition in the bidding of federal contracts. Upon receipt by Monmouth Marine, the non-conforming parts were then shipped to DLA in packaging disguising the parts’ identity in an effort by the Mikas to deceive DLA and its unwitting downstream purchasers.
The count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service Northeast Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Barzey; and special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Denahan with the investigation leading to today’s arrests.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric A. Boden of the U.S. Attorney=s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
It is with great sadness that we, the NJAYF – Jersey Shore Conference Executive Board and Association Presidents, announce the cancellation of our 2020 football and cheer season, effective immediately. Although it was a difficult decision, it was made in the best interest of our participants, volunteers and families.
With the ongoing risk and increasing spread of the COVID-19 virus locally and nationally, the New Jersey American Youth Football and Cheer – Jersey Shore Conference Executive Board believes that the health risks involved in participating in a football and cheer season would come to the detriment of the children, coaches, and volunteers we are charged with servicing.
NJAYF – Jersey Shore Conference is an organization that has provided the very best youth sports forum for our members which has made a positive impact across Sussex, Middlesex, Union, Hunterdon, Monmouth and Ocean Counties. It is our hope that we are able to continue our mission in 2021, if conditions allow. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they are available and necessary. Please continue to take great care of your families and we look forward to seeing you all soon.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton police officers observed a stolen vehicle in the area of Parkside and Olden Avenue and began to pursue the vehicle up Olden Avenue toward Ewing Township. Suspects in the stolen vehicle fired several shots at the officers, striking the police vehicle. No officers were struck by gunfire and the police officers did not return fire. The pursuit continued until the suspect vehicle crashed at the intersection of North Clinton and North Olden Avenue, striking a responding Trenton police vehicle and another vehicle not involved in the incident. Three Trenton police officers sustained injuries and are being treated. One is in critical condition, two are stable at this time.
Three suspects are in custody at this time and three firearms have been recovered. The investigation is continuing and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
CHECK OUT THE LIST OF MIDJERSEY.NEWS STORIES ON CITY OF TRENTON 2020 SHOOTINGS, GUN VIOLENCE, STABBINGS AND HOMICIDES HERE:
And the list grows: Other Recent Trenton Shooting and Homicide Stories:(There has been a lot more gun violence, stabbings and shootings but these are ones we have enough information to report on)
BREAKING NEWS REPORT: MidJersey.News has contacted official sources for more information and awaiting information on this accident. Once official information is released the story will be updated.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Around 3 am a Trenton Police vehicle collided with another vehicle at the intersection of North Olden Avenue and North Clinton Avenue. There were multiple patients and a police officer was taken to the truama center, with no official word on their condition.
Since we have not heard back from “official” sources what “unofficial” sources told us: One Trenton Police officer is in critical but stable condition at the Trauma Center at Capital Heath Regional Medical Center from the accident. A police chase was involved and the Trenton Police were shot at prior to the accident. Again this is from “unofficial” sources since we have not heard back.
This is a breaking news report once we find out more information we will update or post a updated story. We held the story waiting for information but since it is taking time to get official details together we are putting out what some of what we know for now.
STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–On Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at approximately 6:28 PM, the Stafford Township Drug Enforcement Unit conducted a Search Warrant on 41 East Bay Avenue in Manahawkin.
This was the result of a three month long, joint investigation with the Ocean County Narcotics Strike Force for ongoing sales of Narcotics from that residence.
As a result of the investigation, a Pablo J Amador, 37-year-old male living at that residence, was found to be in possession of Cocaine and Marijuana and was arrested. Mr. Amador was transported to the Stafford Township Police Department where he was processed and charged with 2nd degree possession of Cocaine, 2nd Degree possession with the intent to distribute Cocaine, 3rd Degree possession of Marijuana and 3rd degree possession with the intent to distribute Marijuana.
After processing and charging Mr. Amador was transported to the Ocean County Jail where he is currently being held on his charges.
The Stafford Township Police Department does not release photos of defendants, and the public and the press are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MIDDLETOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Middletown, NJ –Middletown Twp. Chief of Police R. Craig Weber announced an arrest in connection to a series of incidents of vandalism to a number of houses of worship within the township. Arrested on this date is Natalee A. Hamilton, 34, of Middletown. Hamilton is charged with four counts of Criminal Mischief, three counts of Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, and one count of Resisting Arrest.
“This series of crimes committed against houses of worship is deeply disturbing, especially as it occurred during the pandemic when so many people have relied upon their faith for comfort and support in these very difficult times.” stated Chief Weber. “I would like to acknowledge and commend our Detective Bureau for their dedication and outstanding investigative efforts in identifying and apprehending the individual responsible for these crimes.”
The locations victimized include Westminster Presbyterian Church located at 94 Tindall Road, New Monmouth Baptist Church at 4 Cherry Tree Farm Road, and Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 743 Leonardville Road. In each case of vandalism, the suspect smashed out the building windows with rocks. The vandalism first occurred at Westminster Presbyterian Church on June 1st. New Monmouth Baptist was vandalized on July 14th. All three houses of worship were attacked on July 19th, 2020. On Sunday July 26th, Westminster Presbyterian church was victimized a third time. The initial incidents occurred during overnight hours. However, the July 26th incident at Westminster Presbyterian Church happened during broad daylight, occurring at approximately 11:05a.m, while parishioners were still present at the church.
The charges stem from the attacks that occurred at the three locations on July 19th and the July 26th attack at Westminster Presbyterian Church. The defendant was processed and subsequently lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution in Freehold.
The matter is being treated as a possible bias crime and is still under investigation by Detective First Class Darrin Simon. Any additional organization that may have been the victim of vandalism or anyone with information pertinent to this investigation is asked to call the Middletown Police Detective Bureau at (732) 615-2120.
Any persons arrested or charged with offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Additionally, except in specific circumstances, arrest and complaint information and names of those charged may be released.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township Fire Department was sent to the NJ Turnpike at Exit 7A for an overturned tractor trailer with reported extrication at 1:30 pm.
Upon arrival firefighters found an overturned box truck on its side that appeared to be carrying Amazon products at the north bound ramp to Exit 7A at the curve. The driver self extricated and refused transport to the hospital.
As of 3:30 pm Georges Garage was on scene with cranes and tow trucks to upright the truck. NJ Turnpike road crews were also on scene.
No further information is available about the accident.
Overturned tractor trailer on New Jersey Turnpike northbound exiting at Interchange 7A – I-195 (Robbinsville) left lane blocked https://t.co/rdlKpE8Vj9
Emergency maintenance on New Jersey Turnpike northbound exiting at Interchange 7A – I-195 (Robbinsville) left lane closed to traffic https://t.co/Bv4mvpS9Rs
MIDDLETOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Middletown Twp. Police Department is currently investigating a series of incidents of vandalism to a number of houses of worship within the township.
The locations victimized include Westminster Presbyterian Church located at 94 Tindall Road, New Monmouth Baptist Church at 4 Cherry Tree Farm Road, and Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 743 Leonardville Road. In each case of vandalism, the suspect smashed out the building windows with rocks.
The vandalism first occurred at Westminster Presbyterian Church on June 1, 2020. New Monmouth Baptist was vandalized on July 14, 2020. All three houses of worship were attacked on July 19th, 2020. On Sunday July 26, 2020, Westminster Presbyterian church was victimized a third time. The initial incidents occurred during overnight hours. However, the July 26th incident at Westminster Presbyterian Church happened during broad daylight, occurring at approximately 11:05 a.m, while parishioners were still present at the church.
The suspect is an African American female, mid 20’s to mid 30’s, driving a silver or gray Chevy Malibu. Although there is no information regarding the vehicle registration, the vehicle does have a trailer hitch and there is a noticeable dent in the rear passenger side bumper.
The matter is being treated as a possible bias crime and is currently under investigation by Detective First Class Darrin Simon. Anyone with information is asked to call the Middletown Police Detective Bureau at (732) 615-2120
The Middletown Twp. Police take these crimes very seriously and do everything we can to protect the residents of Middletown and their property.
Breaking News Report from on scene reports and radio traffic. If additional information becomes available additions and corrections will be made.
BELMAR, NJ (MONMOUTH)—Around 8:57 pm at the 2nd Avenue Beach there were reports of a missing swimmer. Belmar Police Department, Water Rescue, Fire Department, and First Aid Squad were sent to the area to search for the swimmer. Responders called for additional lighting, NJ State Police Marine Unit as well as the Monmouth County Dive Team. Within about 40 minutes of searching the subject was found ok on the beach. Subject was checked out by EMS and was ok. All units were clear the beach around 9:50 pm.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Early yesterday (Sunday) morning the Internet started to light up with mystery seeds being delivered all over the USA including New Jersey. Do not plant these seeds since they could be contaminated or be an “invasive species” that could create havoc in the ecosystem.
For New Jersey residence that have recieved the suspicious seeds contact the NJ Department of Agriculture at 609-292-3976 or contactAg@ag.nj.gov
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is aware that people across the country have received unsolicited packages of seed from China in recent days. APHIS is working closely with the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection and State departments of agriculture to prevent the unlawful entry of prohibited seeds and protect U.S. agriculture from invasive pests and noxious weeds.
Anyone in New Jersey who receives an unsolicited package of seeds from China should immediately contact the New Jersey Department of Agriculture at 609-292-3976 or contactAg@ag.nj.gov. Also, you can contact the APHIS State plant health director. Please hold onto the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label, until someone from your State department of agriculture or APHIS contacts you with further instructions. Do not plant seeds from unknown origins.
If individuals are aware of the potential smuggling of prohibited exotic fruits, vegetables, or meat products into or through the USA, they can help APHIS by contacting the confidential Antismuggling Hotline number at 800-877-3835 or by sending an Email to SITC.Mail@aphis.usda.gov. USDA will make every attempt to protect the confidentiality of any information sources during an investigation within the extent of the law.
Photo of seeds that were sent to Hopewell Township – Washington Crossing, NJ over the weekend.
JACKSON, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Hector Calderon, 53, of Freehold, was sentenced on July 27, 2020, to ten years New Jersey State Prison (“NJSP”) with a five year period of parole ineligibility as a result of a previously entered guilty plea to Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b, by the Honorable James M. Blaney, J.S.C. Additionally, Judge Blaney sentenced Calderon to nine years NJSP with a four-and-one- half year period of parole ineligibility in connection with a second guilty plea to Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, also in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b. The sentences will run consecutively. Calderon pled guilty to both charges before Judge Blaney on February 7, 2020.
Calderon was arrested on April 10, 2015 – along with co-defendant Daniel Romeodisantillo – in connection with the murder of Peyman Sanandaji, which occurred at a restaurant in Jackson on April 9, 2015. Romeodisantillo was convicted of murder and is currently serving a thirty year prison sentence in NJSP. Calderon was tried twice for murder and related weapons offenses; mistrials were declared in both trials, however, after the respective juries could not reach a unanimous verdict. As a result, an agreement was reached between the State and defense whereby Calderon pled guilty to the weapons offenses, for which he has been sentenced to a total of nineteen years NJSP with a nine-and-one-half year period of parole ineligibility.
Prosecutor Billhimer would like to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of Chief Trial Attorney Michael Weatherstone and Senior Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Pressman who handled the case on behalf of the State. Prosecutor Billhimer likewise extends his gratitude to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their hard work and combined assistance in this investigation which ultimately resulted in Calderon’s conviction and lengthy state prison sentence.
Hector Calderon, 53, of Freehold
Hector Calderon, 53, of Freehold, was sentenced on July 27, 2020, to ten years New Jersey State Prison (“NJSP”) with a five year period of parole ineligibility as a result of a previously entered guilty plea to Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b, by the Honorable James M. Blaney, J.S.C. Additionally, Judge Blaney sentenced Calderon to nine years NJSP with a four-and-one- half year period of parole ineligibility in connection with a second guilty plea to Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, also in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5b. The sentences will run consecutively. Calderon pled guilty to both charges before Judge Blaney on February 7, 2020.
JACKSON, NJ (OCEAN)—On Sunday July 26, 2020 at approximately 8:30 pm, officers responded to a residence located on Mill Pond Road in the Whispering Hill neighborhood off of Leesville Road on the report of a suspicious incident. Upon arrival, officers spoke with numerous residents of the neighborhood who claimed that a residence on the street had been rented out to a group who were having a large party which was causing a disturbance in the neighborhood and also appeared to be in violation of Executive Order #156 in reference to the number of attendees.
Officers monitored the area and observed a large crowd at the residence. The homeowner was contacted and advised officers that he had rented out the residence on AirBnB and was hosting a large party. The homeowner then left the area as an estimated 200 additional people arrived at the residence and the party began to expand.
As additional people continued to arrive, the crowd at the residence grew to an estimate in excess of 700 people with well over 100 vehicles parked in the area as the department began receiving 911 calls from other homeowners in the area reporting disturbances and trespassing. Officers then began to clear the crowd from the residence and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office was contacted and authorized charges against the homeowner and party organizer for violating the Executive Order.
As the crowd grew in size, this took the effort of all of the on duty Jackson police officers who responded as the roads into the neighborhood were shut down because more party goers were still arriving. Officers from the Freehold Police Department, Howell Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department and New Jersey State Police also responded to assist and clear the large crowd from the residence and direct traffic as people left the area.
During this time, the department received a 911 call from an Overlook Drive resident reporting that people who had left the Mill Pond Road party had broken into their residence and were damaging property. It was determined that a family member of the caller who had been at the original party had invited a large group from the party back to the residence. Additional officers responded and the unwanted group was then dispersed from this second residence.
It took until approximately 1:00 am for the officers to clear the residences of the party attendees and all of the vehicles from the neighborhood without any further incidents.
At the conclusion of the evening, the homeowner, who was identified as Yaakov Weiss, age 40 of Jackson and party organizers who were identified as Patience Guanue age, 23 and Alicia Hinneh, age 22, both of Newark, were issued summonses for violating the Governor’s Executive Order. The investigation is continuing and Jackson Code Enforcement was also notified of the incident so they could follow up.
– The media and the public are reminded that any persons arrested or charged with any offenses or crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–At 12:23 the Robbinsville Township Fire Department and the East Windsor First Aid Squad along with the NJ State Police were sent to Mile Marker 63.1 south bound for a horse stuck in a trailer. The horse became stuck while the towing vehicle became separated from the trailer and the horse jumped over a retainer bar inside the trailer causing the horse to be stuck. Fire fighters arrived on scene and used a rescue saw along with help from the horse’s owner to cut though the retaining bar so the horse could be freed. Once the horse was free the vehicle was able to continue on its travels. The horse did not appear to be injured.
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